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Council appoints Portia Taylor and Josiah Benoni Graham to Police Oversight Commission
Summary
The Antioch City Council on Feb. 10 appointed two members to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission to restore capacity on the panel: Portia Taylor (reappointment) and Josiah Benoni Graham (partial term). The council deferred a third nomination until the candidate can appear in person.
The Antioch City Council approved two appointments to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission (APOC) at its Feb. 10 meeting, voting to confirm incumbent Portia Taylor for a full term and Josiah Benoni Graham to a partial term.
Mayor Bernal nominated the candidates and explained the commission is currently under‑staffed; the mayor said the council interviewed six applicants for three openings. Portia Taylor, who identified herself as an original oversight commissioner, told the council she wanted to continue the work of stabilizing the commission and advancing early implementation tasks. Vice chair Devin Williams, speaking during public comment, praised Taylor’s leadership and described ongoing progress within APOC.
Josiah Benoni Graham, who said he resigned a city position that same day to be eligible for appointment, described his lived experience in Antioch and urged the council to include more youth perspectives on oversight bodies. Councilmembers who spoke in support emphasized the value of youth representation.
Council moved and seconded the nominations for the two candidates present and voted to approve the appointments (motion passed 4–0). The mayor said the council will bring the absent nominee’s appointment back for consideration at the next meeting.
The council also noted that with the two APOC appointments the oversight commission would reach quorum for its next meeting if all members attend. The council asked staff to return with logistics to ensure the commission can undertake its planned work.
Next steps: Clerk to process oath of office and staff to post APOC calendar and meeting materials.
